Can smoking paper be bad for you??
While rolling a joint or a cigarette, you might have wondered - can smoking paper be bad for you? Smoking paper or rolling paper is commonly used to roll tobacco and weed in. It is the easiest way to smoke and preferred by many smokers. But have you ever thought whether it is safe or not? In this article, we will explore different aspects of smoking paper, including its composition, harmful effects, alternatives, and more.
The Composition of Smoking Paper
Smoking paper is made up of different materials and composition can vary from brand to brand. The most common types of rolling papers are made from:
- Wood pulp / Cellulose fibers
- Rice
- Hemp
- Flax
- Cotton
Some papers are also mixed with chemicals to enhance the burning rate or for flavor. Some people consider these chemicals to be harmful and avoid them. Raw and organic rolling papers are considered to be healthier as they are made from natural materials and do not contain harmful chemicals and dyes.
Are Smoking Papers Harmful?
Even though smoking paper is not as harmful as smoking tobacco or weed directly, it can still pose some health risks. The main concern is the release of chemicals when paper burns. Burning paper releases tar, carbon monoxide, and other harmful toxins which can be inhaled by the smoker. These toxins can cause lung irritation, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Smoking paper can also cause dry mouth and throat irritation.
Alternatives to Smoking Paper
If you are concerned about the harmful effects of smoking paper, there are some alternatives that you can consider:
- Using a glass bong or pipe - this does not require smoking paper, as the smoke is filtered through water.
- Vaporizers - these work by heating the weed or tobacco instead of burning it, reducing the amount of toxins released.
- Edibles - weed or tobacco can be infused into food items and consumed orally.
Precautions to Take While Smoking Paper
If you decide to continue smoking paper, there are some precautions that you can take to minimize the risks:
- Avoid flavored papers as they contain chemicals that can be harmful.
- Use only natural and organic papers.
- Avoid over-burning the paper, as it can produce more toxins.
- Take a break between hits to avoid inhaling too much smoke.
- Consider using a carbon filter or a joint filter to reduce toxins.
Can Smoking Paper Cause Cancer?
The prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals in smoking paper can increase the risk of cancer. The chemicals released by burning paper have been linked to lung, throat, and bladder cancer. However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between smoking paper and cancer.
How to Choose Safe and Healthy Rolling Papers?
Choosing safe and healthy rolling papers can reduce the risks associated with smoking paper. Here are some tips on how to choose the best rolling papers:
- Choose papers made from natural and organic materials like rice, hemp, or flax.
- Avoid papers made from wood pulp or unbleached paper that contains harmful chemicals.
- Avoid papers with added flavors or chemicals.
- Choose papers that are thin and slow-burning.
- Look for rolling papers that are unbleached.
Conclusion
Smoking paper can be harmful, as it releases harmful chemicals and toxins when burned. While it is not as harmful as smoking tobacco or weed directly, it can still pose some risks. If you want to continue smoking paper, you can reduce the risks by choosing natural and organic papers, avoiding flavored papers, and taking precautions while smoking. However, there are also safer alternatives like glass bongs, vaporizers, and edibles, that do not require smoking paper and can reduce the risks of inhaling harmful toxins.